USE: Adaptive reuse to market hall
LOCATION: Skärholmen, Stockholm, Sweden
YEAR: 2019 –
CLIENT: Savana
STATUS: On-going
FOR: UCA

This project is situated in Skärholmen, in the southern part of Stockholm, with the goal of converting the existing building into a local food market. Originally constructed in 1968 alongside the development of the Skärholmen suburb, the building served as both a local police station and an industrial laundry service. The subway tracks run directly beneath it. In the 1970s, two extensions were added—one on the roof and one in the courtyard—followed by further modifications in the 1990s and early 2000s. Over time, the building has functioned as office space, a school, and been rented out for various associations. It has undergone multiple transformations in both layout and function.

To adapt this space into a versatile public building with optimal lighting and generous ceiling heights, the design reintroduces key features from the original 1960s plans, while removing later, unsuccessful additions from the 1990s onwards. The aim is to open up and simplify the layout: windows that were previously blocked are reinstated, hidden structural elements are revealed, and the concrete façades and wooden windows are restored to their original form. The courtyard is reimagined as an indoor atrium with high ceilings that bring light to both the entrance floor and the market hall. A central atrium connects the basement and entrance levels. New additions are carefully designed to respect the building’s original character, reinforcing its identity.

The transformation covers approximately 3,300 square meters across three floors. The market will serve as a new hub for local businesses, offering a space for food and social interaction at its core. This revitalization enhances activity at the intersection of Skärholmsgången and Ekholmsvägen, and adds vitality to the roof terrace along Skärholmsgången.

Images: Wolfblanc and UCA